Moscow doesn't view Karabakh as tool of pressure on AzerbaijanMay 7, 2008 - 18:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Presently, the Russia is not deciding "to be or not to be" in the South Caucasus, chairman of Mitq analytical center, historian Eduard Abrahamyan said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net "Moscow has been trying to strengthen its influence in the region so far. The point is that Russia has two tools of pressure in Georgia and none in Azerbaijan. It's quite obvious that the Kremlin has for a long time Karabakh as a pressing factor. Now, due to Artsakh's complete isolation from Azerbaijan, the situation has changed," he said. "Possibly, national tensions in north of Azerbaijan and Baku's aggressive policy toward Dagestani-speaking population can offer Moscow a chance for creating an alternative factor. However, Russia's unawareness of mentality and capabilities of North Caucasus nations often resulted in paralyzing of ethnic problems. This problem may be viewed as omission by Armenia, which in the course of 15 years made no effort to convince Moscow of its determination to finally resolve the "Azeri issue". Today, in the light of the U.S.-Turkey tensions, some Russian forces speak out for stabilization of relations with Ankara," he said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |